Abstract:

Learning Needs of Surgical Patients Objective: In this descriptive study it was aimed to describe learning needs of patients after surgery and before being discharged. Methods: The study was conducted at two state hospitals surgery clinic in western Turkey.The sample of the study consisted of 575 surgical patients. The data were collected by using Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS) and demographic data sheet by face to face interviews.The analysis of the data was obtained by using descriptive statistical (frequencies, percentages, means, Standard deviations and range) and Student t test, in SPSS 11.0. Student t test were performed to compare the groups. Results: Patients indicated how important it was for them to know about each of 50 information items before discharge from hospital.Findings indicated that subjects perceived medication and enhancing quality of life as most important to know and feelings related to condition, community and follow-up as least important.Total PLNS scores with emergency or elective hospital admission, occupation, and level of education was statistically significant. Conclusion: These findings indicate that surgical patients were information for medications and quality of life needed before discharge from the hospital. Surgical nurses should be organize teaching programs according to their individual needs in order to provide their patients' care

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